The Judith Dawn Memorial Fund for the Arts was created to recognize and support sexual assault and abuse survivors who are interested in pursuing artistic endeavors as a continuation of the life-long healing process. A total of $5000 is available each funding year. Application deadlines are August 15th and February 15th of each year. Online application and more information are available athttp://judithdawnmemorialfund.org/.

To be eligible for these funds, an individual must self-identify as a survivor of sexual assault or sexual abuse. The funds must be used in pursuit of an artistic endeavor. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and reside in Lake, Cook, McHenry, Will, Kane, or DuPage County, Illinois, or Kenosha County, Wisconsin.

How to Apply

All applicants must submit two or more letters of recommendation. The recommendations should be from individuals familiar with the applicant’s personal history, with the applicant’s interest in the arts, and with the impact such pursuits may have on her/his healing process. To ensure efficient online application processing, the applicant must use their prefered email address to forward all referral letters from chosen referral sources. If applicant is completing an online application, recommendation letters may be mailed or emailed to:

Applications will be reviewed by the Selection Committee twice a year, in September and March. All applications to be reviewed at the September Committee meeting must be received by August 15th. All applications to be reviewed at the March Committee meeting must be received by February15th. Applicants may also be invited to meet personally with the Selection Committee for an interview.

Applicants will be notified by phone or mail within two weeks of the Selection Committee decision. Approved applicants must then contact The Awakenings Foundation to arrange for disbursement of their funds.

Approved applicants will have one year from the date of notification to use their awards. After one year, unused funds will be retained by the Judith Dawn Memorial Fund. Approved applicants may not reapply to the Judith Dawn Memorial Fund for a period of one year after approval. No applicant will be eligible for more than two awards within a five-year period.

Award Disbursement Procedures

Applicants approved for awards must contact the JDMF Program Coordinator within 30 days of approval to accept their awards and to make arrangements for funds disbursement. Award recipients have one year from the date of notification of award approval to use award funds. Any award fund not disbursed after one year from date of notification will be retained by The Judith Dawn Memorial Fund. Award recipients may not reapply to JDMF for a period of one year after date of notification.

2. Award Recipient Reimbursement

Award recipients must follow JDMF disbursement procedures as follows:

a. Formal CourseworkAward recipients must contact the school, program, or organization to request an invoice for costs/fees. Recipient should use her/his award number as the purchase order number and list The Judith Dawn Memorial Fund for the Arts as the customer. The vendor invoice must also include the vendor’s complete address and telephone number, class title(s) and descriptions, date(s) of the class(es), and amount(s) due. Payment will be made directly to the vendor by JDMF.

b. Private InstructionAward recipients must contact the instructor to request an invoice for costs/fees.Recipient should use her/his award number as the purchase order number and list TheJudith Dawn Memorial Fund for the Arts as the customer. The invoice must include the instructor’s full name, teaching credentials, address, telephone number, a description of instruction/services provided, date(s) of provision, and amount(s) due. Payment will be made directly to the instructor by JDMF.

IMPORTANT: Instructors must also provide a completed W-9 Form, including theinstructor’s social security number or FEIN number. This is required for the privateinstructor to be paid. A 1099 Form will be sent to the instructor as required by the IRStax code.

c. Independent StudyAward recipients engaged in independent study must keep and submit original receipts for monies spent under the terms of the approved award. To receive reimbursement, recipients must complete anaward disbursement formand attach all receipts. Please allow 15 business days for processing and reimbursement.

IMPORTANT: Payment will not be made without appropriate receipts.All requests for disbursements should be mailed to:

3. Award Recipient Reporting RequirementsOnce an award recipient’s funds have been completely disbursed or at the end of the award year, whichever comes first, she/he is required to submit a narrative report outlining successes and/or challenges experienced while completing her/his course of study. Recipients may find a formhere.